The sixth annual championship sees a record number of 20 carvers battling it out for the honour of claiming the wining title and prestigious Claymore Sword Trophy.

Included in this year's line up is the legendary carver and four times winner Peter Bowsher from Moffat.

He will be going head to head against strong competition from some of the world's best carvers including main rival, Australian Chainsaw Chick Angie Polglaze whose stunning giant owl carving won first place in 2006.

Among the other contenders are Andy McLachlan from Dunoon and Simon O'Rourke from Wrexham who took second and third place respectively in 2007, Mick Burns from Lincoln, Nansi Hemmings from Carmarthan, Natahan McWhinnie from York, German carver, Stephie Huber, Chris Wright from Shropshire, Cheshire based carver Tim Burgess, Tommy Craggs from Durham, American Bruce "Thor" Thorstienson and other USA carvers including Brett McLean and Joe King from Pennsylvania.

The more local contingent is represented by local artist Geoff Buttress and his wife, Alice a potter from Carrbridge, along with Allan Grant from Nethybridge, Grantown's Kevin MacKenzie, Iain Chalmers from Evanton and Carol Adams from Aberdeenshire.

The main event takes place over a period of four hours during which each competitor has to produce a carving from an eight foot log of Sitka Spruce.

As well as the main prizes awarded by a five strong panel of judges, there is a People's Choice contest with visitors invited to vote for the carver who they feel has created the best sculpture overall.

There is also a thrilling Quick Carve competition with each carver challenged to see what they can produce from a smaller length of wood within a strict 30 minute time limit.

The event is organised by Carrbridge Community Council whose chairman, Scott Bruce commented that everyone was looking forward to the championship which has become one of the main events on the international chainsaw carving circuit.

Chainsaw chick Angie Polglaze who will be among the top line of international carvers battling it out in the Scottish Open Chainsaw Championship being held in Carrbridge this Saturday.

"It's a wonderful opportunity to see these highly skilled carvers in action and watch as these great logs of wood are transformed and all kinds of sculptures such as eagles, bears and wood spirits just spring into life.

"Some of the finished creations are just outstanding while the buzz of the chainsaws and the rivalry between the contenders adds to the excitement for the crowd of spectators," he said.

Once the judging has been completed, the sculptures are auctioned off with visitors having the opportunity to bid for a unique piece of art work created during the day.

Although the chainsaw carving championship is the main showcase of the event, there is also a jam-packed programme of village gala day activities for all the family.

They include a pipe band welcome, axe throwing, belly dancing demonstrations and workshops along with live music and a host of stalls and sideshows including splat the rat, crockery smashing, paint ball, a slow bike race and wobbly bike competition. There are also catering stands and a licensed bar.

The event is sponsored by the Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Carrbridge which is offering a 10 per cent discount on admission over the weekend to chainsaw championship visitors. Additional event parking is available at Landmark with a free vintage shuttle bus being provided by MacBraynes.

The event, held on the village playing field, kicks off at 10.30am with entry for adults at £4, under 16's £2 and under fives free.

More information can be found on the website at www.carvecarrbridge.com

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